Can Abnormal Bleeding Affect Pregnancy Chances?

Is it possible to become pregnant from abnormal bleeding during sexual intercourse?

My girlfriend usually has her menstrual cycle at the end of the month.
She suddenly experienced continuous bleeding starting from November 16 for a month.
She saw a doctor on December 19, who initially suspected uterine polyps, but the second examination did not reveal anything.
I would like to know if there is a high chance of pregnancy if we had unprotected intercourse on December 13 and 19.
Given the continuous bleeding, is it possible for her to ovulate?

Wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/28

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is important to use contraception at all times; otherwise, there is a chance of pregnancy.
Additionally, since your girlfriend's menstrual cycle is irregular, it is even more necessary to use contraceptive measures.
Wishing you both good health.

Reply Date: 2015/12/28

More Info

Abnormal bleeding during the menstrual cycle can raise concerns about fertility and pregnancy chances. In your girlfriend's case, the prolonged bleeding lasting a month could be indicative of various underlying issues, such as hormonal imbalances, uterine polyps, or other gynecological conditions. It is essential to understand how such bleeding can affect her chances of conceiving.

Firstly, the presence of abnormal bleeding does not necessarily mean that ovulation is not occurring. Ovulation can still happen even if there is irregular bleeding. However, if the bleeding is due to a condition like uterine polyps or fibroids, it may interfere with the normal ovulation process or the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the bleeding is caused by hormonal imbalances, it could also affect the regularity of ovulation.

Regarding the specific dates you mentioned (December 13 and 19), if your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is still a possibility of pregnancy, depending on whether she ovulated around that time. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurred shortly after the intercourse, conception could still be possible.

It is also important to note that prolonged bleeding can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue that may need to be addressed before trying to conceive. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or thyroid disorders can lead to irregular bleeding and may also impact fertility. Therefore, it is crucial for her to follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

In terms of fertility, if the bleeding is due to a benign condition like a uterine polyp, once treated, it may not significantly affect her chances of conceiving. However, if the bleeding is related to a more serious condition, it could pose challenges to her fertility.

In summary, while abnormal bleeding can complicate the understanding of ovulation and fertility, it does not outright eliminate the possibility of becoming pregnant. It is advisable for your girlfriend to seek further medical evaluation to determine the cause of her bleeding and to discuss her fertility concerns. This will help in formulating a plan for her reproductive health and increase her chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can significantly improve her overall reproductive health and fertility prospects.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Possible Causes and Concerns

Hello doctor, I took a pregnancy test on March 22 (which was negative) and got my period on March 23. Today, April 1, I had sexual intercourse, and three hours later, when I went to the bathroom, I noticed some bleeding when I wiped with toilet paper, and there was also a little ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors affecting irregular bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, pregnancy, and breastfe...

Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Could It Indicate Pregnancy?

Doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse on February 27. My period came from February 29 to March 5. On March 20, I experienced abnormal bleeding, and I also had protected sexual intercourse that day. Could the abnormal bleeding be a sign of pregnancy?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, that should not be the case. If there is still abnormal bleeding, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Causes and When to Test for Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, I have the following question: My menstrual cycle has always been regular (it arrives on the expected date). I predicted my ovulation date to be May 6th, and I had sexual intercourse on May 5th and 6th, during which there was brief unprotected penetration, but I am ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. The menstrual cycle has always been regular (it arrives on the expected date). The predicted ovulation date was May 6, and there was sexual intercourse on May 5 and 6, during which there was brief unprotected penetration, but I am certain that there was no ejaculation inside (...

Understanding Abnormal Bleeding: Could You Be Pregnant?

Hello, Dr. Lu! I have a question for you: Last month, I had my menstrual period twice, and both times the flow was quite normal. However, shortly after the second period last month (about two weeks later), I noticed some bleeding this month. The amount is not much, and I only nee...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It sounds more like irregular bleeding, and individuals with irregular cycles typically do not ovulate that month, making it unlikely to conceive. However, it is difficult to predict when ovulation will resume. As long as you are using contraception, there is no need to worry too...